I’m Lindsey McElmeel, and I’ve been part of the UK hairdressing industry for 24 years. I was lucky enough to train with Toni & Guy through a Level 2 and 3 apprenticeship — and that opportunity changed my life. It gave me more than a qualification: it gave me a career, confidence, purpose, and a passion for helping others grow.

But now, hairdressing apprenticeships in the UK are in serious danger — and if we don’t act now, they could be gone entirely by 2027.

 What’s Happening?
- In 2016, around 16,000 young people were enrolled in hairdressing apprenticeships across the UK.
- By 2023, that number had fallen to just 6,000.
If nothing changes, we’re on track to hit zero within just a few years.

This isn’t because young people have lost interest. It’s because salons simply can’t afford to take them on anymore.

Why Salons Are Struggling:
- Salons pay 20% VAT, despite being a labour-intensive service — unlike retail businesses, they have little to offset.
- Rising costs from National Insurance, the National Minimum Wage, and the apprenticeship wage are piling pressure on already fragile businesses.
- Salon owners are left with no choice but to turn to self-employment models, making apprenticeships financially unviable.
- Clients are price-sensitive — increasing prices to cover costs could drive them away.

Apprentices Are Not Just Learners
Apprentices are vital to the day-to-day running of salons — and in return, they gain confidence, structure, life skills, and a supportive start in a real working environment. In today’s post-pandemic world, this model is more important than ever.

Without apprenticeships:

-Young people lose a vital career path
-Local salons close or shift to self-employment
-The industry loses skilled, qualified professionals
-Communities lose a trade that supports wellbeing, local economies, and identity
 
We are asking the UK Government to:

-Reinstate financial support for apprenticeship wages in hairdressing
-Review VAT rates for labour-intensive service industries
-Recognise apprenticeships as essential for both education and workforce sustainability
-Work with industry leaders to protect and grow the future of UK hairdressing
 
Let’s Make Our Voices Heard
We need 10,000 signatures to show the Government this matters.

This is about supporting young people, protecting small businesses, and preserving the incredible profession that we are all so passionate about.

Please sign and share this petition.
Let’s save UK hairdressing apprenticeships — before it’s too late.

Thank you so much,
Lindsey McElmeel